Comments

Lincoln60

I've been quite clear and accurate. I didn't say our government is Christian, I merely stated the fact that it was founded on Christian principles, with religious freedom for all. Nor did I say we must have representatives that are Christian. I was not twisting the 1892 Court's words. And as I said, the words of our Founders, our founding documents, and court decisions of our first 150 years give ample documentation that our nation was built on the principles of Christianity. Our Founders would be appalled at people attacking the notion of a pastor being elected to public office.

Jhwinnyc

Lincoln60 WRONG! Don't pull out just one sentence of Justice Brewer's opinion when he goes on to say: "Neither is it Christian in the sense that all of its citizens are either in fact or name Christian. On the contrary, all religions have free scope within our borders. Numbers of our people profess other religions, and many reject all. Nor is it Christian in the sense that a profession of Christianity is a condition of holding office or otherwise engaging in public service, or essential to recognition either politically or socially. In fact, the government as a legal organization is independent of all religions."

Lincoln60

While everyone is free to worship as they please, America was founded on Christian principles. Sup Ct 9-0 Church of the Holy Trinity v. US decision (1892) cited precedent that "Christianity is, and always has been, a part of the common law," and contains a detailed history refuting those who would claim otherwise. The Founders’ comments clearly show the First Amendment’s meaning: no one brand of Christianity was to be established FEDERALLY. States were allowed to have state-established denominations, and to encourage and teach religion (see state constitutions)! Liberals today distort what "separation of church and state" means. Vast historical evidence exists about our their feelings and the intimate relationship of Judeo-Christian law, morality, and religion to our gov't. They believed religion and morality “indispensable” to governing and national success, and no patriot would subvert those pillars (Washington); an enemy of God is an enemy of our country

booboo109

What's it matter if he is a pastor or not? The presidents swear to oath on the bible, not by law, but by choice, "So help me God." But you guys are not mentioning anything about that. Ron is a great guy, and just because he trusts in God, does not mean he doesn't mean he is not a capable candidate for the position he has be elected to.

WilliamBaroo

My comment was not directed at Mr. Lemon specifically, and I apologize if that was not originally clear. I do not know him or his political views. My point was about individuals in the "religious business" being elected to political office. Here is your history lesson Lincoln...the founding fathers established separating church and state so that the state could not establish and enforce ONE religion, as was the case in England when we broke away. I am not comfortable with a minister of ANY religion holding office and making decisions that will affect my life by advancing their specific ideology. How would you feel if one of our legislators were a Jewish rabbi or a Muslim imam? You know they all would be trying to advance their beliefs through policy. Also, when John Jay made those comments, there were nothing BUT Christians around to pick from, and he WAS Christian, so he proves my point in advancing his beliefs through policy. By the way, I too have a Master's Degree.

Jhwinnyc

It IS concerning that so many well-intentioned, "common sense conservative," and "popular" county legislators lack any advanced education. Don't get me wrong--a degree is no guarantee of intelligence, but the problems facing the county would seem to demand individuals with some higher-level critical thinking skills.

Lincoln60

It's really pitiful that anyone - and clearly it is folks who do not know Ron Lemon - would take swipes at his education or that he happens to be a a pastor. I have a Master's degree so I guess I'll speak up for him, perhaps my education meets the standard? This has nothing to do with constitutional separation of church and state, and reveals how little some know of American history (for example, our first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Jay, said Christians are to be preferred as our representatives). And it's with good reason that Ron has been elected several times to the Legislature, he's a wise, common sense conservative American, he has good ideas, he works with and is unusually respected by the Democrats, and he is very popular in his district. Sad that some have nothing better to do than criticize a fine man who works hard for the good of the community.

Sammie

WilliamBaroo

So much for separation of church and state. Here is a man who is a pastor, whose only education is high school and a Christian training center, now making legislative decisions that will affect us all. What's next, Rev Mel for president?